Family, Children and Relationships

Deployment to a war zone causes stress on the service member and the entire family. Here are pages with helpful information about the types of problems families can have and things to do to cope. Also see our Web Resources on Children and Adolescents.

Fact Sheets on Family, Children and Relationships:

• Traumatic Stress in Female Veterans
  A brief summary of the findings regarding women veterans and PTSD from the The National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study (NVVRS).
  
• PTSD and the Family
  Gives information on the effects of PTSD on family members.
  
• Domestic Violence
  Information regarding the definition of domestic violence, the prevalence of domestic violence, the dynamics of abusive relationships, the effects of domestic violence, treatment for victims and perpetrators, and resources offering assistance.
  
• Children of Veterans and Adults with PTSD
  Explains the common problems that children of veterans (or other adults) with PTSD experience and provides recommendations for how to cope with these difficulties.
  
• Partners of Veterans with PTSD: Caregiver Burden and Related Problems
  Provides information about the common problems experienced in relationships in which one (or both) of the partners has PTSD (divorce, interpersonal violence, caregiver burden), discusses treatment options, and lists resources.
  
• Coping When a Family Member Has Been Called to War
  Discusses the issues family face before, during, and after a partner is deployed to a war. Suggestions to help families cope are presented.
  
• Talking to Children About Going to War
  Explains how children react to a parent going to war, their need for safety, support, honesty and attention. Gives information on how to talk to children of various ages about war.
  
• Homecoming After Deployment: Dealing with Changes and Expectations
  Homecoming can be a joyful and also stressful time. This sheet reviews what reactions to expect of the service member, the spouse and children, as well as provides tips to help you have the best possible reunion.
  
• War-Zone-Related Stress Reactions: What Families Need to Know
  From the Iraq War Clinician Guide. A brief summary of the reactions soldiers may have after experiencing the war-zone, including specific interactions with family members. Discusses the role of family in recovery and briefly describes treatment. Presents...
  
• PTSD and Relationships
  Describes how trauma impacts relationships, outlining how PTSD symptoms interfere with intimacy, communication, and problem-solving. Explains aspects of relationships that are beneficial to those with PTSD and offers ways to maintain positive...
  
• Returning from the War Zone: A Guide for Families
  Reintegration is an adjustment for all involved. This guide aims to help families with this process. It covers common reactions that occur following deployment to a war zone, how expectations about homecoming might differ, and discusses what can be done...
  
• Helping a Family Member Who Has PTSD
  Ways you can help a loved one with PTSD and ways you can help yourself.
  
• PTSD, Work, and Your Community
  Learn how PTSD might change things at work, in your community and about stigma.
  
• PTSD and Your Family
  Family support and how PTSD can impact your family.